Annual forecast: Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying (centre) and assistant directors explain this year's work at a press conference.

This year's rainfall will be near normal and five to six tropical cyclones will hit Hong Kong this year, Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying forecasts.

He pointed out any individual rainstorm or typhoon has the potential to cause great damage as both the population and wealth are highly concentrated in the city. People should be vigilant and diligent in checking for points of vulnerability at homes or at their place of work before the onset of the typhoon and rainy season.  

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Lam said the total number of civil-service posts and non-civil-service contract staff remains unchanged in the coming financial year. 

New services will be introduced, though, including seasonal climate and UV index forecasts. Two more points in Tsuen Wan and Central will enhance regional weather information.

It will apply research and development efforts to:

* strengthen the capability of its "nowcasting" system to forecast rainfall several hours ahead;

* build up a solid foundation for tsunami alerts using a numerical tsunami model;

* study the relationship between climate and human health, and the long-term trend in related indices in the context of climate change.

Proud Beijing Olympics consultants

Mr Lam said the Observatory was proud to provide support to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

"The observatory's 'nowcasting' computer system will take part in a forecast demonstration project in Beijing this summer. Our colleagues will also serve as consultants to the Beijing Meteorological Bureau to assist in planning for related weather services.

"For the equestrian events which will be held in Hong Kong, we are building a meteorological observing system for assessing the weather stress index relevant to horses. Following the example of what we did in the 2004 Athens Olympic, we will provide meteorological support to the Hong Kong windsurfing team in Qingdao."

On the operation of the tropical-cyclone warning system, Mr Lam said the phrase "affect Hong Kong" in the definition of the Stand-by Signal No 1 will from now on include "strong winds in Hong Kong waters."

"In the future, the main difference in our operation will be that as a tropical cyclone departs, the Strong Wind Signal No 3 will most likely be followed by the No 1 Signal. It will serve to remind the public to be cautious about strong winds still affecting the nearby sea areas," he added.